It is with sadness that we mark the passing of Sir Anthony "Tony" O'Reilly, Co-Founder of The Ireland Funds.

Together with the late Dan and Patricia Rooney, Tony established The Ireland Funds in 1976 at the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland to provide support to peaceful initiatives that embodied the organization's original motto of "Peace, Culture, Charity." He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for his "long and distinguished service" to Northern Ireland due in part to his philanthropic work with The Ireland Funds.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Simon Harris TD, led tributes to Tony applauding his contributions to business and peace saying, “Tony O’Reilly’s founding of The Ireland Funds with the late Dan Rooney had a transformative effect on the island of Ireland. The Ireland Funds is an example of peace and reconciliation done brilliantly from the ground up in communities. It has been one of the largest donors to our shared Ireland and the cause of peace and is still going strong. I know Mr. O’ Reilly was enormously proud of the Funds.”

As his Ireland Funds' family, we knew Tony for his incredible contributions to the life of The Ireland Funds. The impact of Tony's charismatic and visionary leadership and guidance in co-founding The Ireland Funds cannot be overstated. The greatest tribute we offer is to continue the work he started. We are filled with gratitude for his life and for his friendship. We thank Tony for his vision, his commitment, his service, and his steadfast faith in our mission and we thank you, our donors, for the same. His memory will live on in the legacy and active philanthropy of The Ireland Funds.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and The Ireland Funds continues its support of much-needed mental health resources across communities. We support organizations like Sailing into Wellness which uses sailing to deliver holistic mental health programs to empower individuals and build a positive sense of community, on and off the water. Watch to see firsthand the impact of your support.

The Ireland Funds New York Gala

May 2, 2024

On May 2, over 600 guests came together to celebrate The Ireland Funds 46th New York Gala at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were honored with The Ireland Funds Performing Arts Award for their passionate support and championship of Irish arts and culture. The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Leadership Award celebrated its 20th anniversary as it was presented to Lynn Martin, President of the NYSE Group in recognition of her business achievements, leadership and philanthropy.

Lunch with Joseph Kennedy III, Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs

May 3, 2024

The Ireland Funds, in partnership with The City Club of Chicago, hosted over 100 people at a special lunch featuring President Biden’s Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph Kennedy III. Chicago’s Consul General for Ireland, Kevin Byrne and Chicago’s Consul General for the UK, Alan Gogbashian were also in attendance.

Texas Irish American Cup Challenge

May 6, 2024

The 25th anniversary of The Ireland Funds Texas Irish American Cup Challenge, co-chaired by Chris Carrie and Sam Chantilis, was held at Northwood Club, in Dallas, Texas. The Ireland Funds welcomed 120 golfers to mark the milestone. Archie Bennett, Brian Kennedy, and John Kennedy were inducted into the Tournament Hall of Fame for their years of commitment to the event.

Boston Young Leaders Summer Social

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Join our Young Leaders in Boston for a summer celebration as they gather at The Dubliner.

Nantucket Celebration 2024

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Join us on the beautiful island of Nantucket on July 20 as we honor Bob & Laurie Monahan at The Whaling Museum.

New Jersey Golf Classic

Monday, September 9, 2024

Join us for the 22nd New Jersey Golf Classic at Bayonne Golf Club as we honor Tom Kennedy and Tom Kennedy Jr. of ET Kennedy Coastal Construction.

Cape Cod Celebration - Thursday, August 22, 2024

Boston Gala - Monday, November 4, 2024

Chicago Dinner - Wednesday, November 6, 2024

San Francisco Women in Leadership Luncheon - Friday, December 6, 2024